Federal judge overseeing Maduro trial dies at 92

Alvin K. Hellerstein, a Manhattan federal judge known for handling significant cases involving former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and the 9/11 attacks, died at age 92, PBS NewsHour Politics reported. He passed away surrounded by family, according to Chief Judge Laura Taylor Swain.

Hellerstein was nominated by President Clinton in 1998 and served nearly three decades on the bench in New York City, The Hill noted. He was recognized for his dedicated service and remained active until his death.

Just two weeks before his passing, Hellerstein presided over Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores' arraignment on torture charges linked to an ongoing narco-terrorism conspiracy case, PBS NewsHour Politics detailed. Maduro twice refused to enter a plea, leading Hellerstein to enter a not guilty plea on his behalf.

Despite health challenges during the October 8 bail hearing, Hellerstein insisted on continuing to preside over the case and had scheduled the trial for June of the following year. Following his death, Judge Analisa Torres will take over the case, PBS NewsHour Politics reported.

Maduro's lawyer expressed condolences upon learning of Hellerstein's death. The judge was remembered as a distinguished jurist who made significant contributions throughout his judicial career.